NYPD misconduct claims at record highs

NYPD misconduct claims at record highs

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Following the non-indictment of the officer involved in the death of Eric Garner, we looked at data going back years in the City Comptroller office's annual reports. Unlike other data-driven investigations into how much the city pays out in lawsuits, we were able to specifically tally how many lawsuits and their cost according to police misconduct, as opposed to the NYPD being named in a lawsuit over a falling tree (one such case we found using more frequently cited data).
Analyzing this data for this quick turnaround piece, we found rising trends along all three pertinent metrics: number of claims filed, the dollar amount of settlements, and the number of settlements, as opposed to claims that were dismissed.
Adding this data-driven element bolstered our reporting on the continually unfolding and emotionally charged drama of police misconduct.